Biotech Updates

EFSA: Scientific Panel's Opinion on Syngenta's GMO Corn Application

October 5, 2007

The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Scientific Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms has released its position paper regarding Syngenta’s application for the approval of its glyphosate-tolerant corn, GA21, for use as food and feed. The GM maize is engineered to express the EPSPS protein, an enzyme responsible for herbicide tolerance. The risk assessment for all intended uses of the GM maize GA21 has been performed by the GMO panel. The scientific assessment includes molecular characterization of the inserted DNA and expression of the new protein, comparative analysis of agronomic traits and composition, and evaluation of the new protein and the whole food/feed with respect to nutritional quality, potential toxicity and allergenicity. The panel concluded that following its intended use, GA21 is as safe as its non-GM counterparts with respect to potential effects on human and animal health or the environment.

The complete paper is available at http://www.efsa.europa.eu/EFSA/Scientific_Opinion/gmo_op_ej541_GA21Maize_en,0.pdf